So I'm here for a few days. Staying at a friend's house. Hanging in her bathroom is this:



Gonna hit the NASCAR HOF today. Wanna get to some breweries&record stores later in the week...

Breweries
A few have opened in recent years (with a couple more to come this year) and the craft beer scene in Charlotte is definitely on the upswing. http://www.charlottebeer.com/ is a decent reference.
- In the NoDa neighborhood there are 3 - NoDa Brewing, Birdsong (literally 500 yds from NoDa), and Heist (a brewpub just about a half mile from those two); I probably like NoDa the best in terms of the actual beer, but Heist does some very interesting and inventive things with their food. Might as well check out Birdsong if you go to NoDa.
- South Charlotte has Old Mecklenberg (german style beers) and Triple C (in the Southend neighborhood)
- Beer bars/restaurants - Duckworth's off Park Road, The Flying Saucer in University, Growler's Pourhouse and Revolution Ale House in NoDa, The Liberty in Southend

Record stores
There aren't a ton in Charlotte but...
- Lunchbox Records in Plaza Midwood is my store that I go to. Not the biggest store, but they have a decent selection of used.
- Manifest Records is in South Charlotte and has a huge inventory of used records and cds. ?uestlove went there and got a huge haul last year when The Roots were in town for the DNC.

Other Stuff
- Your friend may be well aware, but the NoDa and Plaza Midwood neighborhoods are worth checking out and have plenty of good restaurants, beer bars, and patios if the weather holds out over the next few days
- Charlotte isn't a great barbecue town (I'd recommend going to Lexington or Shelby for the nearest great barbecue) but Queen City Q, Midwood Smokehouse, Sauceman's, Bill Spoon's and Mac's Speedshop are all decent

Let me know if you have other specific questions.

Thanks, two! Did lunchbox today along w/lunch @ Dish. Gonna try to hit up some of those breweries tomorrow...